Fisichella is wizard of Oz
Giancarlo Fisichella claimed his second career victory as the 2005 season began in dramatic style in the Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park.
Renault driver Fisichella won by five and a half seconds from pole position, to add to his debut win in fortunate circumstances in Brazil two years ago, but the action behind him helped erase memories of a tedious 2004.
World champion Michael Schumacher, who won the first five races last year on his way to a seventh title, struggled in the midfield before retiring after a clash with Nick Heidfeld.
David Coulthard enjoyed a dream debut for Red Bull, putting in a stunning race for the new team on his way to fourth after running second for long periods.
Ultimately, Rubens Barrichello took his Ferrari to second and Fernando Alonso gave Renault third to keep the Scotsman off the podium
Williams driver Mark Webber was also denied a podium despite a long run in third, although the home hero equalled his best-ever result by taking fifth ahead of McLaren’s Juan Pablo Montoya in sixth.
Christian Klien gave Red Bull more points with seventh while Kimi Raikkonen took eighth for McLaren despite starting from the pit lane.
BAR endured a miserable race with Jenson Button floundering down in 11th, three places ahead of team-mate Takuma Sato.
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